NEW YORK – Much of the Yankees’ surprising pennant-contending vibe has been compromised by this recent stretch, with 16 losses in their last 22 games – falling from first place into the crowded wild-card pool.

And it’s been the bullpen, the unquestioned strength of the 2017 Yankees, that has let them down the most.

As the true second half unspools, here’s a look at where these Yankees have been and where they’re headed down the stretch.

MVP

Aaron Judge

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge is greeted by teammates after he hit a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in New York, Tuesday, July 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)(Photo: Kathy Willens/AP)

Judge is not only the Yankees’ MVP, he’s been the American League’s MVP, putting up Triple Crown numbers and capturing three straight Rookie of the Month awards – not to mention June’s Player of the Month honors.

After the fun and excitement of Judge’s participation in Monday’s Home Run Derby, the majors’ homer leader will resume being the Yankees’ signature offensive player – and you’ve already seen how frequently opposing managers will intentionally walk him to avoid his game-changing power.

Biggest disappointment

Masahiro Tanaka, Greg Bird and the bullpen

Tanaka has shown better signs lately but his 5.25 ERA in 17 starts is a hard-to-digest stat.(Photo: Kathy WillensAP)

Tanaka’s 5.25 ERA in 17 starts is a hard-to-digest stat, based on his previous MLB success and all indications that his arm is sound. Tanaka has shown better signs lately, but the Yanks are operating as if Bird won’t return in 2017.

After hitting .451 with eight homers in spring training, Bird – who opened as the Yanks’ No. 3 hitter – opened ‘17 by going 6-for-60 and has since been sidelined with a yet-to-be-defined right ankle injury.

The Yanks are operating as if Bird won’t return in 2017.(Photo: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

All-Star setup man Dellin Betances’s recent epic struggles have mirrored the funk Tyler Clippard experienced not long ago, and Aroldis Chapman – who missed significant time due to rotator cuff inflammation – hasn’t been the same since his self-described overworked postseason with the Cubs.

Best moment

Yankees 14, Orioles 11

The Yankees trailed the Orioles by scores of 5-0, 9-1 and 11-4 before staging a stunning comeback at Yankee Stadium.(Photo: Julie Jacobson/AP)

On April 28, the Yankees trailed the Orioles by scores of 5-0, 9-1 and 11-4 before staging a stunning comeback at Yankee Stadium.

Crushed 8-1 in Sunday’s finale, the Yanks still haven’t won any of their last seven series.

Story continues below the chart.

Three things we learned

At this point last year, Severino had been demoted to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now, he's an All-Star.(Photo: Kathy Willens/AP)

1. The real deal

Aaron Judge was the Yankees’ No. 8 hitter on opening day, having barely won the starting right field job – coming off a late-summer 2016 debut in which he struck out in half of his 84 at-bats. That same fellow just received more All-Star votes than any player not named Bryce Harper.

Tanaka’s first-half stumbles would have been much more magnified if not for the terrific performance of Severino. At this point last year, Severino had been demoted to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and his best route to big-league success seemed to be as a late-inning reliever. Now, he’s an All-Star starter.

Three things we still need to know

New York Yankees' Clint Frazier hits a home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 1, 2017, in Houston.(Photo: David J. Phillip, AP)

1. Reinforcements

Rookie lefty Jordan Montgomery’s success, CC Sabathia’s return and Bryan Mitchell’s looming presence might keep the Yankees from playing on the expensive starter’s market, but GM Brian Cashman could spend some lesser-tier prospects to land a reliever or a first baseman.

2. Clint Frazier

Is the ultra-hyped outfielder here to stay, or is he just a place holder until Aaron Hicks (strained oblique) returns from the disabled list later this month? Right now, he’s learning on the fly, in the high-stakes pressure of a pennant race.

3. Odds and ends

Is Michael Pineda back to belying his obvious talent, or can he channel his April-May success? Could owner Hal Steinbrenner boldly inject himself into the trade-deadline discussion, okaying the expenditure of some heralded minor league talent if a big deal presents itself? Will Home Run Derby spoil the swings of Judge or Gary Sanchez?